So I thought we’d kick things off right at the heart of where it is all going on.

Paris.

FAR too much has already been written about Paris, but that is an oxymoron because it is simply linguistically impossible to write too much about Paris.

There is so much going on there, and so much of that is either cool, damn cool or lies.

And the only real bad thing you can say about the French capital is…

The cost.

It aint cheap.

It is expensive to stay at a hotel. It is expensive to eat. It is expensive to go out and have a great time.

If they could charge you for standing still on the pavement, they probably would.

So I will have to assume that you have a small war chest with a pile of cash the size of some country’s defence budget.

Or something close, anyway.

You see, there are many bars and restaurants in Paris where you can pay over 10 Euros for a small glass of wine.

And it wont be because it is the world’s most amazing wine (although they will be available).

It is more about the fact that you are in a swanky restaurant in a swanky city.

Get over it. Embrace it. Enjoy it.

It is a bit like going to Las Vegas.

You know that after a few days, you’re going be spat out of the city like a worn out chewed up piece of meat, feeling equal parts adulterated and exhiliated. And less monied.

Embrace it. With that in mind, you’ll love it.

Go check out all those cliches you’ve been hearing about since you were 4. The Eiffel tower, the Louvre, the Champs Elysee, the Arc de Triumphe, the Notre Dame, the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur, and all those other well known and cultural icons.

That should take you 2-3 days to do them justice.

But then…

Oh, then…

Take 2 more days to just get lost.

Go on. Walk around, with minimal intent. Dont have a plan other than to have no plan. Take some cash and just go out and be prepared to talk to people and adjust accordingly.

And I guarantee you will have the best time you possibly could.

I have met some of the most fascinating people and had the most mad and/or interesting conversations by simply being open to talking to people.

And I’ve also found out about some of the more secret or lesser known areas and things that can be had, like this cool restaurant (which isnt French food, but still fab) and this small cinema. Enjoy!